Bolsonaro Arrested Ahead of Sentence, Sparks Public Rally and Legislative Debate
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was preemptively arrested on Saturday, following an order from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes who cited concerns of flight risk ahead of Bolsonaro's scheduled 27-year prison sentence. The arrest initiated a series of events, including a large public rally, a lightning strike that injured dozens, and a contentious legislative debate over a bill that could reduce sentences for coup-related offenses.
Arrest and Detention
On Saturday, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the preemptive arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, 70. Justice de Moraes stated the detention was a preventative measure, citing concerns that Bolsonaro intended to escape days before he was scheduled to begin a 27-year prison sentence.
Justice de Moraes stated the detention was a preventative measure, citing concerns that Bolsonaro intended to escape days before he was scheduled to begin a 27-year prison sentence.
Reasons cited in the ruling included an ankle monitor violation recorded at 0:08 a.m. on Saturday, with indications of an attempt by Bolsonaro to tamper with the device. The ruling also noted the potential for Bolsonaro to seek political asylum at embassies, with investigations reportedly revealing a history of planning to request asylum. Additionally, a video published by Bolsonaro's son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, encouraging supporters to protest, was mentioned by Justice de Moraes as a factor that could facilitate an escape attempt.
Bolsonaro was transported from his residence to the federal police headquarters in Brasilia around 6 a.m. on Saturday. Justice de Moraes specified that the arrest should be conducted with respect, without the use of handcuffs or media exposure. A Supreme Court panel was scheduled to vote on Justice De Moraes' order in an extraordinary session on Monday. Following his arrest, Bolsonaro began serving his 27-year sentence and is detained at Papudinha, a special detention facility in Brasilia.
Context of Conviction
Bolsonaro was convicted in September of the previous year for plotting a military coup and attempting to maintain power through force after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors had alleged the coup plot included plans to assassinate President Lula da Silva and incite an insurrection in early 2023. He was also found guilty of leading an armed organization and attempting to abolish democratic rule. Bolsonaro has consistently denied all wrongdoing.
He was previously under house arrest since early August pending appeals. A separate electoral court ruling has rendered him ineligible to run for office until at least 2030.
Public Response: Sunday Rally and Incident
On Sunday, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters gathered in Brasilia for a rally advocating for his release. The event was organized by Congressman Nikolas Ferreira, who called for "amnesty" for Bolsonaro and others convicted in connection with the post-election events.
During the rally, a lightning strike near the gathering injured 89 people.
During the rally, a lightning strike near the gathering injured 89 people. Fire department officials reported that 47 individuals required hospital treatment, with 11 needing intensive medical care, while dozens more received treatment at the scene.
Legislative Developments: Congressional Debate
On Tuesday, Brazil's parliament experienced disruptions during discussions regarding proposed legislation aimed at reducing prison sentences for offenses related to coup attempts. The bill, introduced by conservative lawmakers, could potentially reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year sentence to two years and four months. It is also intended to affect individuals, including Bolsonaro supporters, who were imprisoned for their involvement in storming government buildings shortly after he left office.
The bill, introduced by conservative lawmakers, could potentially reduce Bolsonaro's 27-year sentence to two years and four months.
During the debate, left-wing lawmaker Glauber Braga was removed by police after briefly occupying the Speaker's chair in protest. The legislative body had also been scheduled to vote on Braga's expulsion for a prior altercation. Media access to the chamber was restricted, with the television feed interrupted and reporters asked to leave, a move criticized by a group representing journalists. As of late Tuesday night, the proposed legislation had not passed the legislature's first house and would require ratification by the second house.
Ongoing Health and Legal Appeals
Bolsonaro has ongoing health issues, including those stemming from an abdominal stab wound sustained in 2018 and a period in intensive care earlier this year following intestinal surgery. His lawyers had previously sought to allow him to serve his sentence under house arrest due to these health concerns.
Concurrent with the congressional debate, court documents revealed that Bolsonaro's legal team has filed an official request seeking permission for him to leave prison for surgery. This appeal reiterates previous requests for him to serve his sentence under house arrest due to his medical condition. Bolsonaro recently underwent a medical evaluation after a fall in prison.